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$Unique_ID{BRK04272}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Tongue Carcinoma}
$Subject{Tongue Carcinoma Cancer of the Tongue Carcinoma of the Tongue }
$Volume{}
$Log{}
Copyright (C) 1987, 1989 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.
340:
Tongue Carcinoma
** IMPORTANT **
It is possible the main title of the article (Tongue Carcinoma) may not
be the name you expected. Please check the SYNONYMS listing to find the
alternate names and disorder subdivisions covered by this article.
Synonyms
Cancer of the Tongue
Carcinoma of the Tongue
General Discussion
** REMINDER **
The information contained in the Rare Disease Database is provided for
educational purposes only. It should not be used for diagnostic or treatment
purposes. If you wish to obtain more information about this disorder, please
contact your personal physician and/or the agencies listed in the "Resources"
section of this report.
Tongue Carcinoma is an oral cancer which is characterized by an
ulcerating malignant tumor, usually on the side of the tongue, consisting of
scaly (squamous) cells. The tumor may spread to the lymph nodes on the same
side of the neck.
Symptoms
In Tongue Cancer local pain may occur, possibly later radiating to the entire
side of the face. The most common sign of cancer in the mouth is a sore that
fails to heal and that bleeds rather easily. There may be restricted
movement of the tongue or discomfort in wearing dentures. Swelling of the
lymph nodes on the same side of the neck may occur in about half the patients
if the tumor spreads.
Causes
The cause of Tongue Carcinoma is unknown. Inadequate oral hygiene and
thickened white patches on the mucous membranes of the oral cavity
(leukoplakia) may be a cause. The disorder is statistically linked with
alcoholism, cirrhosis of the liver, excessive smoking, or syphilis.
Irritation by jagged teeth, projecting fillings and ill-fitting dentures
may also be factors contributing to development of Tongue Carcinoma. As in
some other types of cancer, the possibility of a genetic predisposition to
malignancy may also be a factor.
Affected Population
Tongue Carcinoma is a rare form of cancer that tends to affect more men than
women, usually between 40-60 years of age. During recent years, the
proportion of women with this type of cancer has grown. The frequency of
this disorder among the population tends to increase with age. All types of
oral cancer combined strike about 27,000 persons in the United States each
year.
Related Disorders
There are many types of mouth cancer. All types are relatively rare.
Carcinoma of the Floor of the Mouth is characterized by a hard growth
that can be felt by the tip of the tongue. Pain in the ear, increased
salivation, difficulty speaking and later bleeding, are signs of this
disorder. This type of cancer may be caused by poor oral hygiene or
irritation of the tissues by sharp teeth, ill-fitting dentures, smoking, etc.
Frequently the lymph nodes in the neck are also affected.
Carcinoma of the Cheek (Mouth, Buccal Mucosa, Carcinoma) is characterized
by a malignant lesion in the cheek, pain, difficulty chewing, spasms in the
cheek muscles (trismus) and mucosal bleeding. The carcinoma may spread to
the lymph glands under the jaw.
Therapies: Standard
Surgery consisting of excision of tongue muscle and neck lymph nodes is used
for treatment of Tongue Carcinoma, sometimes in combination with pre- or
postoperative radiation. A special type of radiation can be applied by
implanting needles containing radioactive elements to destroy the cancer in
localized areas (interstitial irradiation). Chemotherapy may also be used as
therapy.
The survival rate of 5 years for this disorder is 28%. Early diagnosis
and treatment is imperative, especially in persons under 20 years of age.
Therapies: Investigational
This disease entry is based upon medical information available through March
1987. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every
entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please
check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current
information about this disorder.
Resources
For more information on Tongue Carcinoma, please contact:
National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
P.O. Box 8923
New Fairfield, CT 06812-1783
(203) 746-6518
American Cancer Society
1599 Clifton Rd., NE
Atlanta, GA 303291
(404) 320-3333
NIH/National Cancer Institute
9000 Rockville Pike, Bldg. 31, Rm. 1A2A
Bethesda, MD 20892
1-800-4-CANCER
The National Cancer Institute has developed PDQ (Physician Data Query), a
computerized database designed to give doctors quick and easy access to many
types of information vital to treating patients with this and many other
types of cancer. To gain access to this service, a doctor can contact the
Cancer Information Service offices at 1-800-4-CANCER. Information
specialists at this toll-free number can answer questions about cancer
prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
References
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CANCER OF THE MOUTH: Reprinted: U.S. Department
of Health and Human Services; Public Health Service; National Institutes of
Health; National Cancer Institute. (March 1985.)
CHANGING TRENDS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SQUAMOUS CARCINOMA OF THE TONGUE:
C. D. Callery, et al.; American Journal of Surgery (October 1984: issue
148,4). Pp. 449-454.
SURGICAL TREATMENT OF EARLY-STAGE CARCINOMA OF THE ORAL TONGUE--WOULD
WOUND ADJUVANT TREATMENT BE BENEFICIAL? Head and Neck Surgery (July-August
1986: issue 8,6). Pp. 401-408.